Smithfield Foods Plans $85-Million Expansion in Kinston, NC

Smithfield Foods Inc., one of the largest private employers in eastern North Carolina, will be adding a new product line of packaged meats as part of its expansion of a Smithfield Packing Co. facility in Kinston. The expansion will create 330 new jobs with an investment of $85.5 million over the next three years, according to a statement from Gov. Beverly Perdue’s office.

The governor has awarded a $700,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund to Smithfield Packing Co. to help finance the expansion. The grant must also be matched by a local government to qualify, and according to a report in the Kinston Free Press newspaper, the Lenoir County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an economic development incentives package for Smithfield Foods at a special meeting on Nov. 9. Details of the county’s incentive package were not available.

Annual salaries for the new Smithfield Foods jobs created will average $27,644 plus benefits, which is below the Lenoir County average annual wage of $29,276.

Smithfield Packing Co., which is a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods, operates the existing Kinston facility. Its primary lines of business include production of fresh pork, smoked meats, bacon, cooked hams, and hot dogs for retail, food-service and deli channels. In addition to the Smithfield brand, its other food brands include Gwaltney, Esskay and Cumberland Gap. Smithfield Packaging exports products to about 30 countries.

Stay connected

The Hoosier Energy Power Network’s Economic Development team is dedicated to providing valuable site selection information and assistance to companies considering a relocation or expansion in Indiana or Illinois.

Ranked as the top location in the U.S. for job gains, this city has much to offer. According to recent census data, Cape Coral, Florida’s population jumped by 16%, to more than 175,000 year-round residents. With an average of 266 days of sunshine a year, it’s no wonder Cape Coral continues to grow with rapid speed.

The Building Energy Quotient Portal provides a faster, more automated approach to receive a Building EQ Performance Score. - Read: ASHRAE Launches New Building Energy Quotient Portal at FacilityExecutive.com.

Observations and lessons learned are shared by a female, millennial engineer who's worked in three industries, most recently building consulting. - Read: Engineering The Workplace Culture For Employees at FacilityExecutive.com.

Square and round wet–rated Mini LED Panel Lights offer upgraded color characteristics, energy savings, and a very long service life with minimal maintenance. - Read: EarthTronics Mini LED Panel Lights at FacilityExecutive.com.

E-News Signup

Join 20,000+ Subscribers & Get the latest from Business Facilities!

Business Facilities highlights area economic development and site selection news from around the world. Economic development creates opportunities to grow state, local and metro areas, which are essential for economic growth, improved quality of life and community development.

Business Facilities is a leading full-service media brand specializing in the site selection marketplace. Through a bi-monthly magazine, e-mail newsletters, a news portal, and its LiveXchange event, Business Facilities has created a dynamic community for C-level executives and economic development organizations.